Addicts in supported housing will be able to help each other through their rehabilitation thanks to a new £80,000 communal area.

The Undercroft facility at Brighter Futures’s Furlong Court, in Burslem, features a gym, meeting rooms, and a TV lounge and kitchen.

Managers at the charity say the communal area, which provides access to a range of activities, will help residents recover by relieving boredom, reducing isolation and offering opportunities for self-improvement.

They also believe the Undercroft will help reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour involving Furlong Court residents in Burslem town centre.

Brighter Futures patron Lord Stafford with Gemma Finn

Brighter Futures converted part of the Woodbank Street facility’s underground car park into the new area thanks to funding from the Homes and Community Agency.

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Furlong Court manager Gemma Finn said: “We asked our customers what they wanted to see in their new communal space, and designed the Undercroft based on their ideas.

“Before it opened there wasn’t really a communal area where customers could go. There’s the reception area, and there are always staff they can come and talk to, but people were feeling isolated in their rooms.

“I think being able to talk to other people is an important part of recovery. They can talk about their problems and share strategies that have worked for them.

“We’ll also be using the Undercroft for quiz nights, movie nights and other group activities.”

Furlong Court, which has 22 flats for people battling drug and alcohol problems, has been blamed for anti-social behaviour in the town centre since it opened in 2015.

Brighter Futures says 58 customers have been able to reduce or better manage their substance abuse problems after living at Furlong Court. One has completed a psychology degree while another has gained paid employment.

Matthew Hollins has been living at Furlong Court for around 12 months, after a previous stay was cut short due to his imprisonment.

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The 27-year-old, who is hoping Brighter Futures will help him beat his Black Mamba addiction, welcomed the new communal facility.

He said: “It’s been a long time coming but I think it’s been worth the wait. When I was here the last time I made a lot of suggestions, like having a little library here.

“I started using weed when I was seven and moved onto hard drugs when I was 15. I’ve been involved in crime my whole life, but I want to leave that behind me now. I’m tired of always having to look over my shoulder.

“Brighter Futures has really helped me. I’m not there yet, but I am getting better.”